Travel Tip: Pop Culture and Cinema in United StatesJuanes

Juanes

Juanes UNITED STATESHOUSTON, TEXAS • Bayou Music Center • Ongoing

Born in Medellin, Colombia, on August 9, 1972, Juanes has perfected his distinctive fusion of rock with traditional Colombian rhythms (such as Vallenato, Cumbia and Mapale), as well as other international styles including Flamenco, Troba, Bolero and Tango.

Both as guitarist and socially conscious songwriter, Juanes is now often mentioned alongside artists such as Bono and Bruce Springsteen for his belief in the possibility of social change through music. Juanes’ musical message of peace confronts the violence of his native Colombia’s continued struggle notably the dangers of landmines in both Colombia and across the world. And while conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan grab headlines, Colombia's war kills 3,500 people ---- mostly civilians ---- every year. Another 3,000 Colombians are kidnapped each year. And the conflict is seemingly endless: two Marxist rebel groups, funded by drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping, have been battling a succession of elected governments for 40 years